Explore USAO

“USAO’s innovative programs and rigorous curriculum continue to attract and challenge
bright and curious students; and as its President, I am honored to serve this extraordinary
institution for the good of Oklahoma’s commonwealth.” - President John Feaver

Explore USAO

Admissions & Aid

At Oklahoma's public liberal arts college, USAO offers small classes, highly-qualified
faculty and an commitment to undergraduate education that you'd expect from a small
private college--at a price you'd find in a state school.

Admissions & Aid

Academics

At USAO you will get a distinctive, transformative educational experience. Our innovative
and creative core curriculum, combined with superior instruction in major fields of
study, will prepare you to challenge and change the world in which you live--creating
a future of your own.

Academics

Arts & Culture

From award-winning performers and speakers to art exhibits and student performances,
there is always something happening at USAO. We work hard to keep the calendar filled
with exciting and intellectually stimulating events.

Giles Symposium

Speakers

2019-20 Symposium: Nyle DiMarco

October 8, 2019 | 7 p.m.

USAO Ballroom, Student Center 2nd Floor

Nyle DiMarco, winner of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Next Top Model, empowers audiences to believe they can do and be anything they want in life, no
matter the obstacle.

He won the mirror ball trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (season 22) and was the last model standing on The CW’s America’s Next Top Model (cycle 22), now Nyle is winning over audiences as an influential leader and ambassador
for the deaf community. Born into a multigenerational deaf family, he is an honorary
spokesperson for Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) and founder
of the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, which works to improve the lives of deaf people around
the world. Nyle has produced the 2018 return to Broadway of Children of a Lesser God starring Joshua Jackson and Lauren Ridloff. Nyle was also a creative collaborator
on The ASL App, created by native deaf signers to teach conversational American Sign
Language.

With a passion for language, literacy and advocacy within the deaf community and beyond,
Nyle shares his barrier-breaking story as a deaf man who has risen above stereotypes
to take the world by storm.

Believing that his deafness is “an asset rather than a limitation,” he builds a bridge
between the deaf and hearing by shining a light on not only the struggles, but also
the triumphs of the deaf culture. Above all, Nyle shows audiences that with a sense
of community, commitment to your goals, and belief in yourself, you can accomplish
anything.

The event is free, but space is limited.

Reception

Station 82, Student Center | 5:30 p.m.

An RSVP-only reception with the speaker, heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine will be held
in the USAO Ballroom at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to have their
photo taken with Nyle DiMarco and will have reserved seating at the symposium.

the Ray, Mary & Nita Giles Symposium for Citizenship and Public Service

Ray Giles dedicated his life to public service and to the state of Oklahoma. During
a four-year stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Giles was awarded three
Battle Stars, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal for his service in Europe. In 1945,
he returned to Caddo County to become a wheat farmer. Giles became active in local
politics, serving on the State Board of Agriculture and ultimately as an Oklahoma
state senator, a position he held from 1976 to 1992.

Like her husband, Mary Martin Giles was dedicated to civic causes, particularly education.
She attended the Oklahoma College for Women in the early 1940s. She taught in the
Carnegie schools for five years and was a member of the Grady County Mineral Owners
Association as well as her church. She was passionate about farming and related issues.

Nita Giles, following her parents’ example, was dedicated to serving others. She opened
her own law practice in Oklahoma City in July 1982, specializing in long-term care
and other health care law until her retirement in October 2011. She was known as a
leader in staff development and education, always ready to mentor others in developing
the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

Ray Giles passed away in 1995, followed by Mary in 1998, and Nita in 2017. Their legacy
of service and commitment to family, education and public service in Oklahoma lives
on through the Ray, Mary & Nita Giles Symposium at USAO.